8 SASSA Grants Every South African Should Be Applying for in 2025

Many South Africans rely on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for financial assistance to meet their basic needs. SASSA administers various grants to support vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. These grants play a crucial role in reducing poverty and ensuring financial stability for those who qualify.

Here’s an in-depth look at the eight key SASSA grants available in 2025, including their eligibility criteria and financial benefits.

Child Support Grant (CSG)

The Child Support Grant (CSG) helps primary caregivers of children under 18 who come from low-income households. This grant ensures that caregivers can provide for essential needs like food, education, and healthcare.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The child must be under 18 years old.
• The caregiver and child must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
• The caregiver must pass a means test, proving financial need.
• Birth certificates of the child and proof of relationship with the caregiver are required.

Payment Amount:

• R500 per child per month (adjusted for inflation in 2024).

This grant helps alleviate financial stress on caregivers, ensuring children grow up in a stable environment.

Old Age Grant

The Old Age Grant, commonly known as the pension grant, provides financial support to senior citizens, helping them afford necessities such as food, healthcare, and housing.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be 60 years or older.
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Pass a means test that evaluates income and assets.
• Cannot receive other pension benefits.

Payment Amount:

• R2,080 per month.
• R2,100 per month for those aged 75 and older.

This grant allows elderly individuals to maintain their dignity and meet their daily financial needs.

Disability Grant

For individuals aged 18 to 59 who cannot work due to a disability, the Disability Grant provides crucial financial assistance. This grant ensures that a lack of income does not worsen the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be between 18 and 59 years old.
• A certified medical report confirming the disability is required.
• Must pass a means test to prove financial need.
• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Payment Amount:

• R2,080 per month.

This grant helps recipients afford medical care, daily expenses, and transportation, improving their quality of life.

Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant provides financial support to foster parents caring for children placed in their custody by the court. The grant ensures that foster children have access to basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The child must be legally placed under foster care by the court.
• The foster parent must provide a court order confirming custody.
• Both the caregiver and child must be South African citizens or permanent residents.

Payment Amount:

• R1,120 per month per foster child.

Foster children often require additional financial and emotional support, making this grant essential for their well-being.

Grant-in-Aid

The Grant-in-Aid is an additional payment for individuals already receiving an Old Age or Disability Grant who require full-time care due to their health condition.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must already be a recipient of an Old Age or Disability Grant.
• A medical report confirming the need for full-time care is required.

Payment Amount:

• R500 per month.

This grant helps cover expenses for caregivers or specialized medical equipment, reducing the financial burden on families.

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant provides temporary financial aid to individuals facing emergencies such as job loss, natural disasters, or financial crises.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must prove financial distress.
• Not qualify for any other SASSA grants.
• Be a South African citizen, refugee, or permanent resident.

Payment Amount:

• R350 per month (temporary and subject to renewal).

This grant acts as a financial lifeline for those experiencing hardship.

War Veterans Grant

The War Veterans Grant provides financial support to individuals who served in World War II or the Korean War and now face financial difficulties.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Proof of military service in WWII or the Korean War.
• Must pass a means test.
• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Payment Amount:

• R2,100 per month.

This grant ensures that war veterans can live comfortably in their later years.

Care Dependency Grant

The Care Dependency Grant provides financial assistance to caregivers of children with severe disabilities who require specialized care.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The child must be under 18 years old.
• A medical assessment confirming the disability is required.
• The caregiver must pass a means test.
• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Payment Amount:

• R2,080 per month.

This grant helps cover the high costs of long-term care and medical treatment for disabled children.

Summary of SASSA Grants in 2025

Grant Name	Monthly Amount (R)	Eligibility
Child Support Grant	500	Caregivers of children under 18
Old Age Grant	2,080 (2,100 for 75+)	Seniors 60+ years old
Disability Grant	2,080	Individuals 18-59 with disabilities
Foster Child Grant	1,120 per child	Court-appointed foster caregivers
Grant-in-Aid	500	Recipients of Disability/Old Age Grant needing full-time care
Social Relief of Distress	350 (temporary)	Individuals facing financial emergencies
War Veterans Grant	2,100	Veterans of WWII or Korean War
Care Dependency Grant	2,080	Caregivers of children with severe disabilities

SASSA grants play a critical role in supporting South Africa’s vulnerable populations. Whether you are a caregiver, an elderly individual, a person with disabilities, or someone facing financial hardship, these grants provide much-needed relief. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process can help ensure you receive the support necessary to improve your quality of life.